The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee (RHC) has gathered in Islamabad to conduct the crucial moon sighting session that will determine the conclusion of Ramadan and the official date for Eid ul-Fitr celebrations across Pakistan. This important meeting is being presided over by Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, the chairman of the committee, who is leading the efforts to observe the Shawwal crescent moon. Concurrently, zonal and district-level moon sighting committees are also assembled in their respective cities, actively scanning the skies for the crescent that signals the end of the holy month.
It is noteworthy that the Shawwal moon was not sighted in several Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday evening. As a result, these nations have announced that they will celebrate Eid on Friday. In contrast, Afghanistan has already marked Eid ul-Fitr today, highlighting the regional variations in moon sighting and the subsequent observance of the festival. This divergence underscores the traditional reliance on local moon sightings to determine Islamic dates, which can lead to differences even among neighboring countries.
Experts analyzing the astronomical data suggest that Eid ul-Fitr in Pakistan is most likely to be observed on March 21, following the completion of a full 30 days of Ramadan. The probability of spotting the moon on the evening of March 19 is considered quite low, given the moon’s age and position at that time. Pakistan commenced the first fast of Ramadan 1447 AH on February 19, adhering to the lunar calendar that governs Islamic months.
the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), the new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH is expected to be born on March 19, 2026, precisely at 06:23 Pakistan Standard Time (PST). SUPARCO further explained that at sunset on March 19, the new moon will be approximately 12 hours and 41 minutes old, with only a 28-minute interval between sunset and moonset along Pakistan’s coastal regions. These conditions make it challenging to sight the crescent on that evening, which is why many anticipate Eid to fall on the following day.
Muslims worldwide observe Eid ul-Fitr with deep religious fervor, marking the end of a month-long fast during Ramadan. This sacred month is dedicated to spiritual reflection, patience, self-restraint, and acts of charity. The Islamic calendar is lunar-based, with months lasting either 29 or 30 days depending on the moon’s phases. Consequently, Ramadan does not align with the Gregorian calendar dates, shifting approximately 10 days earlier each year. As the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan’s timing varies annually, influencing when Eid is celebrated.
Across Pakistan, anticipation is building as communities await the official declaration from the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee. The final decision regarding the Eid ul-Fitr date will be made after thoroughly reviewing moon sighting reports submitted from different parts of the country. This announcement holds great significance, as it unites millions in the joyous celebration of Eid. The situation remains fluid, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.
